Cadillac’s Electric Transition: The Lyriq Hearse Steps into the Limelight
General Motors is revolutionizing the hearse industry by offering the Cadillac Lyriq in a professional grade for coachbuilt hearses. This move, which continues Cadillac’s long-standing tradition in the funeral business, introduces an electric vehicle (EV) option that makes perfect sense for such applications.
Cadillac’s association with hearses has been one of dignity and discretion, attributes that a black Cadillac hearse embodies. Now, this tradition is being carried into the electric age with the battery-electric Lyriq platform. Many enthusiasts have pondered their final car ride, but for most, it will likely be in a Cadillac.
Wolf Coach Builders, a seasoned company from Florida with over 30 years of experience, now offers the Cadillac Lyriq in two distinct hearse models. The Flagship Legacy retains the classic design with a raised black roof and coffin rollers at the back. Meanwhile, the Panorama features wraparound glass for a more public display.
GM provides the rear-wheel-drive BQ9 Lyriq directly to coachbuilders as part of its professional series vehicles—a continuation of the legacy started in the 1950s. Back then, the Cadillac Commercial Chassis served as a foundation for iconic movie cars and versatile vehicles used as ambulances or hearses before standardized emergency medical service vehicles emerged in the late 1970s.
Some of these vehicles were even dual-purpose, capable of serving as both an ambulance and a hearse. In rare cases, a duplex Cadillac could accommodate a restless spirit posthumously, much like the famous Ecto-1 from Ghostbusters. As Dan Aykroyd famously said, “Needs some suspension work and shocks. Brakes, brake pads, lining, steering box, transmission, rear-end . . .”
In today’s world, an EV hearse is a practical choice, as these vehicles typically cover limited mileage but offer years of service. The low maintenance and quiet operation of the Lyriq hearse make it an invaluable asset for funeral parlors.
Despite the variety of hearses around the world—from Japan’s ornate, temple-like hearses to the motorcycle hearses on the Isle of Man—the electric Cadillac Lyriq stands out for its muted professionalism and suitability for the task. Perhaps one day, it might even take on a Godzilla-sized marshmallow man.
➡️ Skip the lot. Let Car and Driver help you find your next car.
Original Story at www.caranddriver.com